Free talks and workshops related to the 2025 season will be hosted by the Toronto, London, Hamilton and Stratford Public Libraries and Friends of the McGill Library on various dates in 2025.
Lectures are non-ticketed events. Some workshops require pre-registration through the host library. See below for more information.
19 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, ON
The Stratford Public Library will be offering a range of programming, starting with a sneak peek behind the curtains of the 2025 season. To learn more, please visit
their website.
- Tuesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m.: Stratford Festival 2025 Sneak Peek - Apollo, Venus & Mars: Reflections on Harmony, Love and War
- Friday, June 6 at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.: Imagination Ignited PA Day! Join SPL and the Stratford Festival for an InterACTive Theatre Workshop. Through hands-on drama activities, participants will explore storytelling, movement, and expression in
a playful, engaging way. Please note that while all ages are welcome at both sessions, the morning program is geared towards children up to age six and the afternoon program is catered towards children aged 6 and up. These programs are free, with no registration required
Cue the Creativity: Maker Magic – Every Thursday, July 3 to August 14, from 2-4 p.m.
Step into the spotlight with Cue the Creativity: Maker Magic! This free weekly drop-in program, in partnership with the Stratford Festival and Stratford Public Library, invites all ages (3 to 103!) to explore the magic of theatre arts. Whether you're a budding actor, set designer, or simply love to create, there's something for everyone.
Each week, participants will dive into a different theme with hands-on stations where you can make props, try your hand at set design, explore costumes, wigs, and makeup, experiment with music, movement, acting, lighting, and even audio special effects. Plus, some weeks will feature activities inspired by the Stratford Festival’s Anne of Green Gables production, bringing scenes and characters to life.
- July 3 - Week One: Props
- July 10 - Week Two: Set & Set Design
- July 17 - Week Three: Costumes, Wigs & Makeup
- July 24 - Week Four: Music & Movement
- July 31 - Week Five: Act it Out
- August 7 - Week Six: Lighting & Special Effects
- August 14 - Week Seven: Audio Special Effects
No registration required—just drop in! For all programs, children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Hamilton Public Library will be hosting a series of hands-on workshops facilitated by Stratford Festival teaching artists at several of their branches in May and June. Visit
their website to learn more.
- Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30
p.m.: Playwriting Workshop at Terryberry Branch (100 Mohawk Road West, Hamilton, ON)
- Monday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m.: Performing Shakespeare Workshop at Dundas Branch (18 Ogilvie St, Dundas, ON)
- Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30
p.m.: Playwriting Workshop at Central Branch (55 York Blvd., Hamilton, ON)
- Saturday, June 7 at 2 p.m.: Performing Shakespeare Workshop at Concession Branch (565 Concession Street, Hamilton, ON)
- Saturday, June 7 at 2 p.m.: Stage Combat Workshop at Waterdown Branch (163 Dundas St. E., Waterdown, ON)